John E. Thropp’s Sons Co. v. Seiberling, 264 U.S. 320 (1924)

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John E. Thropp’s Sons Co. v. Seiberling


No. 18


Argued January 21, 22, 1924
Decided April 7, 1924
264 U.S. 320

CERTIORARI TO THE CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE THIRD CIRCUIT

Syllabus

1. Patent No. 941,962, granted to one State, November 30, 1909, Claims 4-7, inclusive, 12, 13, and 22-26, inclusive, for the making of the outer shoes or casings of pneumatic automobile tires composed of woven fabric treated with rubber, is void for lack of invention, viewed either as a mechanical or as a method patent. P. 327.

2. The fact that wide and successful use of a device has been made under license from the patentee may be evidence of patentable novelty, but is by no means conclusive, and must be weighed in the light of all the circumstances. P. 329.

284 F. 746 reversed.

Certiorari to a decree of the circuit court of appeals holding the respondent’s patent valid and infringed by the petitioner and reversing a decree of the district court which dismissed the respondent’s bill to enjoin infringement.